BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Review

The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft microwave is built for spaces where every inch of counter matters but you still need a reliable way to reheat plates, pop popcorn, and defrost dinner. Six auto menus, ten power levels, and easy one-touch start keep the learning curve short—exactly what you want in a dorm, office break room, or small apartment kitchen.

Compact size and everyday capacity

At roughly 10.7 x 18.6 x 13.2 inches, this unit slides into gaps where full-size microwaves will not fit. The 0.9 cu ft interior still accommodates a 10-inch pizza on the removable turntable, which covers most standard dinner plates, mugs, and snack bowls owners actually use day to day.

900W power with ten manual levels handles reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking tasks. It is not as quick as 1000W or 1200W full-size models, so dense leftovers or large portions may need an extra minute—but for typical single-serving reheats, owners find performance perfectly acceptable given the compact price and footprint.

Auto menus, one-touch start, and memory

Six pre-programmed auto menus cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plate— the foods people microwave most often. Combined with one-touch start, you spend less time tapping through power and time settings before your coffee or lunch is warm.

The memory function stores a favorite time-and-power combo for repeat tasks. After a few days, reheating a mug or plate becomes muscle memory rather than a multi-step routine. The digital panel is clear and logical once set up, though budget-tier fit and finish shows in the beeper tone and interior light compared with premium stainless models.

Child lock and daily usability

The two-step child safety lock requires a deliberate sequence to enable or disable, which adds peace of mind in households with curious kids or shared break rooms where accidental starts are a concern. A kitchen timer rounds out the basics for timed cooking without tying up the main clock display.

Some owners note the unit runs a bit louder than higher-end microwaves and that build quality feels budget-oriented—fair tradeoffs at this size and price tier. For a basic counter appliance that does its job without dominating the kitchen, those compromises are usually acceptable.

What owners are saying

Customers often praise the compact size and straightforward controls, saying it fits nicely on cramped counters or in dorms while still handling everyday reheating tasks well. Many reviews highlight the value for the price and appreciate the child safety lock and preset buttons for quick snacks, calling it a good basic microwave for small spaces.

Critical comments mention that it can be a bit noisy, takes slightly longer than higher-wattage units to heat food, and that build quality feels more budget-oriented, though most still feel satisfied given the cost.

Editor notes

In everyday use this BLACK+DECKER feels like a very practical little workhorse: it does not take over the counter, yet it handles plates, mugs, and snacks without complaint. The one-touch start and auto menus quickly become second nature, and while it is not the most powerful microwave I have used, the safety lock and straightforward controls make it easy to live with in a small kitchen.

Who it's for

This is the right microwave for students, office break rooms, and small households that need an affordable, compact unit with simple controls and a reliable child lock. It is less ideal if you cook for a large family daily, want the fastest possible reheating from 1000W-plus power, or need a premium-quiet appliance with sensor cooking.